Janna Clinton was enjoying a relaxing weekend on her back porch, watching her 11-year-old son Charlie fish in the pond behind their Oklahoma home. Little did she know, this fishing trip would turn into quite the adventure! Charlie’s excitement and screams caught Janna’s attention, and she rushed over to see what the commotion was all about. What she discovered dangling from the end of Charlie’s fishing line shocked her – a fish with human-like teeth! Keep reading to find out more about this exotic and bizarre catch!
A Surprising Catch in a Neighborhood Pond
The pond located near the Clinton’s home is a popular spot for catch and release of bass and catfish. However, on a sunny weekend in July, young Charlie used a simple piece of bread as bait and ended up reeling in an unusual-looking creature. He immediately called for his mom’s help, and Janna hurried over, expecting to find a typical fish. But the sight that greeted her was far from ordinary – a fish with teeth that resembled those of a human!
The Startling Discovery
Upon closer inspection, Janna realized that the fish caught by Charlie was a pacu, a cousin of the notorious piranha, native to South America. Unlike its carnivorous relatives, the pacu is primarily a vegetarian and sports square teeth with a slight overbite. It was quite a surprise to find such a rare fish in their neighborhood pond!
The Mysterious Pacu
The presence of this exotic fish in an Oklahoma suburban pond left wildlife officials puzzled. They suspect that it might have been a pet that outgrew its tank and was released into the wild. Addressing the previous owner, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation expressed their disapproval on Twitter: “Dear whoever released an entire Pacu into a neighborhood pond, how dare you!”
The “Ball Cutter” Reputation
Pacu have gained a disturbing nickname – “the ball cutters.” Although they are generally harmless to humans, there have been incidents in other countries where men have had their testicles bitten off. Fish expert Henrik Carl explains that pacu bite when they are hungry, and human testicles happen to be a natural target, as they resemble nuts in shape and size. However, it’s important to note that these incidents are extremely rare, and pacu are not dangerous to humans in general.
A Lesson Learned
Before contacting wildlife officials about their unique catch of the day, the Clinton family released the fish back into the pond. They mistakenly assumed it was just another catch and release opportunity. “We unfortunately released it back because we didn’t know any better at the time,” Janna admitted. It’s essential to be aware of the potential impact on the local ecosystem when introducing non-native species into the wild.
Charlie’s Determination
Despite the unexpected encounter, young Charlie hasn’t given up on the pacu. He can be found at the pond, eagerly waiting to try and catch it again. Janna even promised her son that if he manages to reel in the elusive fish once more, they will have it mounted as a prize. “We’ll make it look like the fish is smiling, so you can see its teeth,” she added with a smile.
This strange and creepy fish serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible ownership of exotic pets. Releasing them into unfamiliar environments can disrupt natural ecosystems and cause harm. Let’s cherish and protect nature, and keep our fishing adventures exciting but safe. What are your thoughts on this remarkable “ball cutter”?
